Washington, DC – Governor Martin O’Malley, chair of the Democratic Governors Assocation released the following statement tonight on the results of the Missouri primary:

“I congratulate Governor Jay Nixon on his formal nomination for re-election tonight. Through these challenging times, Jay’s strong, independent leadership has helped create jobs and expand opportunity for Missouri families. Jay has brought Democrats and Republicans together to balance the state budget without raising taxes, protect Missouri’s perfect AAA credit rating, and help businesses create thousands of new jobs. That’s why groups that have never before endorsed a Democrat for Governor, like the Missouri Corn Growers Association and the Missouri Soybean Association, have proudly endorsed Jay’s leadership.

“The contrast in this election couldn’t be clearer. While Missourians value responsibility and honesty, Dave Spence took a $40 million bank bailout, voted against repaying the taxpayers, and then lied about it to try to cover his tracks. Spence’s total lack of credibility on everything from refusing to repay his bank’s bailout to his own academic record clearly shows that he simply can’t be trusted. Missouri families deserve better.”